Pianist will return to renovated flat

Pianist Mark Wilson plays in the Queenstown Memorial Hall during the 2007 Anzac Service. Photo by Tracey Roxburgh.
Pianist Mark Wilson plays in the Queenstown Memorial Hall during the 2007 Anzac Service. Photo by Tracey Roxburgh.
The Wakatipu community has pulled out all the stops to rally round a Queenstown musician by giving his home an extreme makeover, Queenstown style.

Mark Wilson has not been home since February, when he had a seizure which was reported in Mountain Scene as being caused by a cancerous tumour.

After a successful operation to remove the tumour, Mr Wilson has been recovering in his parents' Cromwell home.

The Otago Daily Times understands Queenstown Carpet Care owners Peter and Sandy McInally rallied the community to renovate Mr Wilson's home after discovering the carpet in the flat needed replacing.

After a decision was made to replace the carpet for Mr Wilson, who has been blind since birth, the project snowballed as more people volunteered to renovate the entire space.

Every part of the flat has been overhauled, with a new kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities complemented by new furnishings including couches, a new bed and double glazing for the windows.

It is understood there has been a new television and stereo system provided as well.

The entire project is understood to have been overseen by Rilean project manager Trevor Miekle.

Mr Wilson is well known in the Queenstown community for his piano playing and his willingness to share his musical gift through productions and events such as the ASB Jazzfest, Anzac Day services and performing with the popular local band the Master Blasters.